Agrichemical Bulk Storage Facility Registration

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) bulk storage program provides environmental and groundwater protection while also providing an operational scheme that will protect the products being stored, facility personnel, and the surrounding environment.

By inspecting and registering businesses storing large quantities of agricultural chemicals, the bulk storage program helps prevent the likelihood of agrichemical contamination of Michigan's natural resources. The bulk storage program ensures commercial bulk storage facilities are constructed, installed, and maintained in a safe manner with the least possible impact on people, property, and the environment.

The bulk storage program provides a uniform standard to guide the industry. Currently, over 230 bulk storage facilities are registered and inspected on an annual basis by staff in MDARD's Pesticide & Plant Pest Management Division (PPPMD). In addition to annually inspecting each registered facility, PPPMD staff conducts consultations with firms in the initial stages of bulk storage construction. Site visits are arranged with firms to discuss and provide site planning, containment, and recordkeeping assistance.

A. NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL: 

Agrichemical Bulk Storage Facility Registration

B. STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 

Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended; Part 83, Pesticide Control 

Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended; Part 85, Fertilizers 

C. APPLICABLE REGULATION: 

D. SUMMARY OF PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS: 

1. Applicability (activities that require the permit) 

Who needs to register? 

• Each new, existing, and proposed commercial pesticide and/or fertilizer bulk storage facility is required to register annually with MDARD.

• On-farm fertilizer storage facilities do not need to register.

What is considered bulk? 

BULK PESTICIDE	BULK FERTILIZER
> 55 gallons individual quantity	> 2,500 gallons individual quantity
includes minibulks - an undivided quantity ranging from 55 to 400 gallons	> 7,500 gallons combined total
> 100 lbs individual quantity	> 2,000 lbs individual quantity
includes solutions and rinsates	includes solutions and rinsates

2. Pre-Application Requirements 

None, although firms are encouraged to consult with PPPM staff prior to beginning construction. 

3. Application Submission Requirements 

• Commercial facilities need to download and print a copy of the Agrichemical Bulk Storage Facility Registration Application and Aboveground Tank Inventory Form. 

• There are 4 parts to the registration process:

1) Application Form

2) Discharge Response Plan

3) Site Plan

4) Aboveground Tank Inventory Form

• Follow the directions on pages 2-3 of the application for specific information about each part. A copy of the Discharge Response Plan (emergency response plan) must be kept at the storage facility, but does not need to be submitted to MDARD. Use the 

Registration Package Check-Off List as a guide to make sure all of the proper items are submitted to MDARD.

• Mail the completed application, inventory form, and site plan to the address on the top of the application. 

How do I renew my Bulk Storage Registration? 

A renewal application will be placed in the U.S.mail by the end of November for all registered storage facilities. If there were no modifications to the facility in the past year, simply complete the first page of the application and return. If modifications have occurred in the last year, complete the first page of the application and attach the changes. Registrants who have not received their application by December 15th should contact MDARD at 517-241-7978 or send an email to Nelsonto@michigan.gov.

4. Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval 

• All registrations expire on December 31 and must be renewed on a yearly basis.

• A complete application (with the site map and inventory form included) is normally processed within 4 weeks.

5. Operational Requirements 

• MDARD staff inspect commercial bulk storage facilities on an annual or biennial basis. Facilities must maintain an updated discharge response plan and inspection/maintenance records. Consult the recordkeeping check-off list for detailed requirements.

• Regulation 642, On-Farm Bulk Fertilizer Summary Sheet is available to help producers and retailers better understand the new on-farm storage requirements.

• Facilities adding storage tanks or planning containment or mix/load pad construction projects need to contact MDARD before construction begins to verify that the facility will still meet bulk storage regulatory requirements.

• Companies with a change of ownership, name and/or address will need to send written notification to MDARD so records can be updated accordingly.

• Facilities must meet all applicaable groundwater and surface water setbacks. The setbacks are outlined in the

Water Setback Addendum. 

6. Fees 

There is no fee to register.

7. Appeal Process 

A license shall not be revoked or refused until the licensee or applicant has been given the opportunity by the director of the department to appear for a hearing. The contested case hearing process is outlined in the Administrative Procedures Act, 1969 PA 306. 

8. Public Input Opportunities 

Complaints or comments related to bulk storage registration and inspections may be filed with MDARD at any time. Compliants are investigated by field staff, a violation finding would be considered in the decision making process. A list of bulk a storage registrants is available upon request by contacting MDARD at the number below.

E. Contact Information: 

Contact Us

Creation/Revision Date:

09/01/2010